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Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages

Scott Adams

In 1994 I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which led me to create Celiac.com in 1995. I created this site for a single purpose: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives. Celiac.com was the first site on the Internet dedicated solely to celiac disease. In 1998 I foundedÂ The Gluten-Free Mall, Your Special Diet Superstore!, and I am the co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity.

The gluten status of the products listed below is accurate at the present time. However, as product formulations can change without notice, it is best to verify gluten-free product status by checking the ingredients yourself, or by contacting the manufacturer.

Unless gluten is added after distillation, all distilled alcohols are gluten-free. However, US labeling laws prohibit beverages that use cereal grains at any point in the manufacturing process from advertising themselves as 'gluten-free.'

Many people with celiac disease choose to avoid distilled beverages that use cereal grains in the manufacturing process, while many others drink them with no adverse effects.

So, when you do see a 'gluten-free' label on a distilled beverage, it means that no gluten ingredients have been used at any point in the production process.

Gluten-Free Beer

A number of premium and craft brewers now produce specialty grain gluten-free beers using non-gluten ingredients such as buckwheat, sorghum, rice, corn, etc.

Gluten-Free Hard Cider

Most ciders are fermented from apples or other fruits. Most are safe, however, some add barley for enzymes and flavor. Read labels!

Gluten-free hard cider brands include:

Ace Pear Cider

Angry Orchard

Blue Mountain Cider Company

Blackthorn Cider

Bulmer's Hard Cider

Crispin Cider (including Fox Barrel products)

Gaymer Cider Company

Harpoon Craft Cider

J.K. Scrumpy's Organic Hard Cider

Lazy Jack's Cider

Magner's Cider

Newton's Folly Hard Cider

Original Sin Hard Cider

Spire Mountain Draft Cider

Strongbow Cider

Stella Artois Apple and Pear Hard Cidre

Woodchuck

Woodpecker Cider

Gluten-Free Wine

All wines, including brandy, champagne, cognac, port wine, sherry, and vermouth are safe for celiacs.

Gluten-Free Wine Coolers

The majority of wine coolers are made from barley products.

Gluten-free versions include:

Bartle & Jaymes - all EXCEPT malt beverages

Boones - all EXCEPT their malt beverages

Other Gluten-Free Alcoholic Brews, Wines and Spirits Include

Brandy

Campari

Champagne

Cognac—made from grapes

Cointreau

Grappa

Midori

Prosecco

Khalua Coffee Liquer

Kirschwasser (cherry liqueur)

Old Deadly Cider

Sambuca

Vermouth

Gluten-Free Distilled Alcohols

Unless gluten is added after distillation, all distilled alcohols are free of gluten. However, US labeling laws prohibit beverages that use cereal grains at any point in the manufacturing process from advertising themselves as 'gluten-free.'

So, when you do see a 'gluten-free' label on a distilled beverage, it means that no gluten ingredients have been used at any point in the production process.

Gluten-Free Gin

Most gins are made with gluten-containing cereal grains. The final distilled product does not contain gluten, but cannot be advertised or labeled as gluten-free. Many people with celiac disease choose to avoid these beverages, while many others drink them with no adverse effects.

Gluten-free gin brands include:

Cold River Gin—distilled from potatoes

Brands of standard gin include:

Aviation American Gin

Beefeater

Bombay

Bombay Sapphire

Boodles British Gin

Booth's Gin

Gordon's

Leopolds Gin

New Amsterdam Gin

Seagram's

Tanqueray

Gluten-Free Rum

Distilled from sugar cane, most rums are gluten-free and safe for celiacs. Beware of pre-made drink mixes, such as those intended for piña coladas — many of these contain gluten ingredients as flavoring.

Gluten-free rum brands include:

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum

Bacardi—only Gold, Superior, 151, and flavored

Bayou Rum

Bundaberg Rum

Captain Morgan Rum

Cruzan Rum

Malibu Rum

Mount Gay Rum

Meyer's Rum

Gluten-Free Sake

Fermented with rice and Koji enzymes. The Koji enzymes are grown on Miso, which is usually made with barley. The two-product separation from barley, and the manufacturing process should make it safe for celiacs.

Gluten-Free Tequila

Made from the agave cactus, all tequilas are gluten-free and safe for celiacs.

Gluten-free tequila brands include:

1519 Tequila

1800 Tequila

Cabo Wabo

Cazadores

Chimayo

Don Julio

El Jimador

Herradura

Hornitos

Jose Cuervo

Patron

Sauza

Gluten-Free Vodka

Vodkas distilled from potatoes, gluten-free grains or other gluten-free ingredients contain no gluten ingredients and can be labeled as gluten-free.

Vodkas distilled from cereal grains include:Many vodkas made with gluten-containing cereal grains. The final product does not contain gluten, but cannot be advertised or labeled as gluten-free. Many people with celiac disease choose to avoid these beverages, while many others drink them with no adverse effects.

Gluten-Free Whiskey

Nearly all whiskeys are made with gluten-containing cereal grains. The final product does not contain gluten, but cannot be advertised or labeled as gluten-free. Many people with celiac disease choose to avoid whiskey, while many others drink it with no adverse effects.

Gluten-free whiskey brands include:

Queen Jennie Whiskey, by Old Sugar Distillery is made entirely from sorghum

I'm finding this very hard to swallow.From personal experience, I know that not all grain alcohol based spirits cannot possibly be completely gluten-free. I became deathly ill after consuming a gin martini (zero vermouth) after being completely gluten-free for 3 months. The first thing my co-worker asked me as she was babysitting me in the restaurant's bathroom where I threw up for a solid hour, was if I was on a gluten-free diet. I asked her how she was aware and she said she observed the same thing happen many times before in Hong Kong where our factories were located. Since then, I have avoided gin, any vodka not made from potatoes or grapes, tequila that is not 100% agave, blended scotches and bourbons (I'm sure corn mash bourbon is safe, ie. Maker's Mark, but I have yet to experiment) and pretty much anything that I don't know all the ingredients and how it is made. If it's source is anything but grapes (or other fermented fruits), potatoes, rice, corn, agave, sugar cane..... I wouldn't take the chance personally. Same goes for beer: unless it's made from rice or labeled gluten-free, no way Jose. Not worth it.

I agree with 4 and 7. I stick with my wine and potato vodka with no problems at all. Not even a hint of a hangover. Like anything else when new to the diet grain derived alcohols distilled or not should be consumed with caution until one know how they react.

Only drink tequila that is 100% Agave, anything less has other unknown ingredients added. It's more expensive but the good news is you most likely won't have a hangover. As far as Vodka goes, Smirnoff Red Label isn't expensive and is gluten-free. It is made from corn rather than wheat. Ketel One Vodka is 100% wheat but claims to be gluten-free. Go figure. I've tried many of the other brand name Vodkas and I also ended up in the bathroom. The list above is a great place to start but do your own homework.

For #4, 7, and 8. It seems many vodkas are only single distilled and poorly at that (thus the burning sensation and smell). If you get a higher end or at least a triple distilled vodka, you should be fine. I would think the same would apply for gin.

I know Smirnoff Triple Distilled is fine. Although, after having Chopin (potato) I have no care to consider any other vodka.

I have had problems with grain vodkas. I do not think they are gluten free. Perhaps Scott is correct that the gluten is removed in distillation but perhaps there is grain present at the distillery and that contaminates the final product. Whatever the reason, I have trouble with it.

I've just been diagnosed with coeliac disease pending my biopsy scheduled for midday today. I am also going to a birthday party with BIG drinkers this Saturday night. Think I'll be drinking Smirnoff Vodka. The comments above were great. Nice to know I'm not alone.

We're also new to celiac disease, my husband has had 2 doctors tell him that's probably what he has, his biopsy is next Wednesday. So we're starting to look into what his diet will likely be. Unfortunately I'm finding a lot of discrepancies from resource to resource. e.g. No ketchup, HEINZ ketchup, ok. Gin bad, gin okay. Grain based vodkas and whiskeys okay as long as they're distilled, only potato vodkas okay, no whiskeys but bourbon and scotch. It's all very confusing. And 'unfortunately' he had no symptoms but anemia, so he can't even go by how he feels from eating or drinking something 'bad' like some of you who get deathly ill from drinking cheap vodka!! What to do, what to do.....

Wow! Thank God for you people who forged ahead and 'experimented' for people like us who are still clueless as to what to drink this holiday season. Here I was thinking I shouldn't even socialize in fear of drinking the wrong stuff, but you all saved me and now I don't have to be so bah humbug! I know I can still have wine and anything potato vodka or triple distilled stuff or Kahlua. Let's hope I don't screw up by adding the wrong thing to the alcohol. I guess just juice to keep it safe! Thank you all so much and happy holidays! Here is to a healthier 2008 for all of us!

I have known that I've had Celiac Disease pretty much all of my life. I have stayed away from all whiskey drinks, malted beverages, and non-gluten free beers and have never been sick (besides drinking too much). To date, I have NOT had a problem with any varieties of vodka, rum, tequila, wine, or gin. I have even consumed a couple of shots worth of Ketel One Vodka one night and still didn't feel sick afterwards. However, Ketel One Vodka sucks and don’t waste your time, money, or taste buds.

Usually, if you want to play it safe, stick to rum or gluten-free beer. Here are some examples of gluten-free beer: Bard's Tale Beer, New Grist, and Woodchuck Draft Cider.

For verification, I do get intestinally sick from eating any sort of gluten (wheat, barley, oat, or rye) products, and therefore maintain a strict, gluten free diet. I still feel bitter sometimes about the foods that I cannot eat, but my special diet forces me to eat healthy, and in response, it makes me a healthy person. Celiac Disease in no way means the end of a happy life. I hope that this information helps people.

DISCLAIMER: Everybody has a different reaction to gluten products. Some people’s reactions might be more sensitive than other people’s response. What I have posted is only my experiences with different kinds of alcohol. Know your own body and how it reacts.

I am 18 and had it most of my life and about ten others in my family also have it so I am pretty good at knowing what I can and can't have--until my friend said that I may not be able to drink scotch whiskey so I thought I would check out a web site--thanks mate!

I'm sure the paid-for version of the list has more details on distillation and etc. Folks need to realize that the reaction they are having after eating or drinking something may not be to that specific food. Reactions can 'brew' inside us for a long time, and something can set off the reaction that was already brewing. I have had celiac disease for 20 years and most my family are celiacs.

I have Celiac, but the dermatitis herpetaformis variety. It's on my skin...horribly itchy. But I can tell within an hour if I eat any gluten. I itch all over severely. The ONLY alcohol celiacs should drink are: Sorghum based beer, potato vodka, most wines, Rum, Tequila, and pure gin (made from Juniper berries ONLY). Many alcohols are made from cheap wheat and barley grains, and are added to other products to add alcohol content, while keeping the flavor. I can tell immediately when the drink is 'adulterated' in this way. Be safe. Don't drink anything you can't verify. I found that Kahlua has grain based alcohol added. I'm still trying to find out about Tia Maria.

I am new to Celiac Disease and love me a glass of Bourbon. I can drink any hard liquor that is distilled more than once without a problem. Maker's Mark is nice at the bar but not when you want to drown your sorrows on your living room floor--unless you have the coin, and I don't.

I am a current college student at Marquette University and have been diagnosed for over a year. I understand that there is a lot of discrepancy between what alcohols are safe and those which are not. From personal experience, I have tried numerous vodkas such as Sky, Burnett's, Absolute, Grey Goose, Smirnoff's, UV, all of which I have not had any reaction to. As far as rum goes, I mainly stick to Captain Morgan and Admiral Nelson, both of which I have never had a reaction to. Also I used to drink a lot of whiskey and for the whiskey lovers, I have tried Seagram's 7 as well as Maker's Mark and once again, no reaction. I would advise to try just a little before consuming Maker's Mark and Seagram's 7 just because I have heard people could not tolerate it as well. But as I said before, I had no reaction. As a college student, I understand the pressure of drinking at parties or bars, but hopefully I have given a few people some new options.

I think this was an informative piece. I found out in June 2007 that I had Celiac. I had such a terrible pregnancy, sick all nine months and gained only 10 pounds in 2006. (Thankfully I got a healthy baby). For the months after I delivered, I was still sick.

It was due to my pregnancy that the Celiac finally came out. I lived most of my life doing just fine. As a child, I never really liked bread or pasta, eating it occasionally. Now I am on a gluten-free diet and feeling much better. This is a great site, as I am the only one in my family who has this disease.

I'm not quite sure what the point is of this particular list. Of course no one should consume anything that makes them feel badly. However, all speakers at a recent Celiac conference at Stanford University, including chemists, researchers, doctors (including Gail Pyle, herself a Celiac), and dietitians, were unanimous in their agreement that distilled alcohol, like vinegar, does NOT contain gluten unless the gluten is added POST processing.

I've been a Celiac for 28 years and the information I was initially given upon diagnosis did suggest restriction of vinegar and grain distilled vinegar at that time. However, informed doctors and Celiac specialists have now retracted this restriction.

See the following article from this very site based on revisions made by the American Dietetic Association:

Lots of good info but it's clear that individual tolerance can play a big part in the consumption of some ingredients. Regarding vodka, the producer of triple distilled Taaka brand confirms that it's gluten free.

Thank you for putting together this site. After a year of extreme illness, I have been diagnosed with Celiac Sprue. over this past year I couldn't understand why I could have a Bailey's Irish Cream, but couldn't have a Sam Adams. This really helps me figure out. Thanks!

WARNING!!! Do your own homework!!! Not everyone can drink distilled liquors made from gluten grains----in fact, every single Celiac I know of, including us, gets VERY ill from liquor made from gluten grains!!! I think the "gluten-free" status of distilled liquors is highly questionable and will soon change....

I found out I was Celiac a few years ago after chemo treatments. I got hives that kept coming for a year after chemo was done and went gluten free immediately, as my mom and many others in my family have it as well, so I knew what it was. I am so sure that I have it, I have not even bothered to get tested. It has taken some time to feel 'normal', and not like I had a disability like I had felt in the beginning, but I feel great now, and my life is actually simpler and I feed my family healthier, all the processed food out there is so bad for humans. I am very thrilled about this site and the info on it, and all the feedback from other Celiacs is uplifting. One thing I really miss and can't seem to find a suitable replacement is beer. I don't like the rice beer. Wine and mixed drinks are so sweet.

Distillation isn't the issue, it's what happens to the product afterwards. Vodka and Gin start off the same way, they are made from some sort of grain and transformed into a neutral spirit. Then flavors are added to them by vaporizing them through containers of berries, bark, fruit and other items. Then the vapor is cooled and the new spirit retains the flavor of the berries, bark and fruit. I think this is where the contamination occurs. I've been 'gluten free' for 5 years but drinking Gin. I gave myself a test where I only drank Chopin for 2 months. Now, not only does any gin make me seriously ill, but I realize what I can be like when truly Gluten free. I agree this is varies by the individual so each person should test themselves. Here another bit of information. Vodka's are generally supposed to be without taste and there for did not have all these other additives until recent market pressures. Gin on the other hand has always been considered a 'flavored vodka.' So you might try checking 'non flavored' vodkas. There is also a Gin called Cap Rock which is made from apples.

Very helpful. I like my Canadian Club and this is good to know. Also found a potato vodka made in Poland that is very good, very smooth, Lukskaya? that has never bothered me. From the time I was 19 till 44 I was always told by doctors (and I saw quite a few of them, with numerous GI tests) and not one ever even suggested celiac. Even though I am now gluten-free and feeling great, I wish I hadn't been misdiagnosed for so many years.

Great site. I check it frequently. As a lot of people, I diagnosed myself. First big clue came when I went on a Sugar Buster Diet (pure whole wheat) and thought I was dying, I felt so badly. I was about 37 at the time. During all of my pregnancies, I felt ill and depressed. I was ill for years after each birth I was so depleted. Now, I feel so much better and after about 5 years of eating gluten free diet, I have 'pink cheeks.' Never had pink cheeks in my life, till now. Also, I wish people would name specific beers/alcohols to drink. I stick with Redbridge beer, Chopin (potato vodka), Ouzo, rum and Tequila. But I would like to add to my list. To the people that suggest you can drink these drinks if no symptoms...I would say be careful as my symptoms were subtle. I ended up mostly feeling tired, depressed with weak bones.

I've tried Redbridge and didn't really care for it. I have, however, found an excellent gluten-free beer made from sorghum. It's called Bard's Tale Dragon's Gold. It's reminiscent of Honey Brown which I used to enjoy pre-diagnosis. It's difficult to find but it you can do it, cheers!

For those who enjoy beer and are Celiacs...I recently discovered 3 wonderful Gluten Free Ales made from Millet, Rice, Buckwheat &amp; sorghum. Green's is the in Belgian company that makes them. These beers are real beers unlike Red Bridge, Bard's and New Grist. Green's alcohol content ranges from 6.5% to 8.5% which makes them pricier than the others mentioned above but you certainly get more flavor and bang for your buck! My favorite is: Quest Gluten-Free Tripel Ale! I got my local liquor store to order a case for me every 2-3 weeks... BTW since I have discovered Green's I don't drink Red Bridge or Bard's Tale anymore. Hope this info helps others...

I have been gluten-free for 8 years now, and am very careful about consuming items that are considered 'safe', but are derived from a gluten containing source. I drink only wine and Smirnoff vodka. I have tried other drinks such as whiskey and other vodkas just recently. I ended up being seriously ill for hours afterwards, repeatedly vomiting like I had food poisoning. Never again. I will stick to Smirnoff and wine.

I agree with Al all you get from Redbridge, Bard's and New Grist is flavor and calories no bang for your buck. Give me the real beer from Belgium Green's , I like all three, come on America make a real beer.

Very happy to have found this page. I have MS and have had favorable results after going gluten-free. It seems like MS and Celiac Disease have one thing in common, it's different for everyone! #36, #37 &amp; #43 say it all.

I was recently diagnosed with celiac. I live in Texas and Tito's Vodka (a local Texas distillery) is 100% corn, distilled 6 times. It is great quality and doesn't make me sick. On their website they specify that it is wheat and gluten free.

I am 75 years old and just been diagnosed with celiac disease. I have used Absolute, Gran Marnier and tequila and have had no problems. I will try some of the gluten free beers which are hard to find and more expensive

Tequila that is not 100% agave is a waste of time. Smirnoff vodka red label is the best if you need some hard liquor, but if your looking for a good beer that contains no gluten Dragon’s Gold is the best I have found.

Number 4 is absolutely right. If it comes from wheat, barley or rye in any way don't touch it, even if it’s been distilled. We all have to agree it's just not worth it. My wife is Polish and I'm English, so Vodka was a big thing at or wedding. The only thing I can say is Potato vodka all the way. Especially a brand called Chopin ironically which is considered the highest quality in Poland. It's the best vodka you'll ever drink and is fantastic with juice or with ice straight.

This information is really good to know.. Although I find that some vodkas make me incredibly ill. As well as some rums. I diagnosed myself- my doctor doesn't think I have celiacs... but no joke 20 minutes after eating anything with gluten I'm horribly ill in the bathroom and then 10 minutes later I start a migraine.. he thinks I'm too young for it-- he doesn't even know anything about celiacs, he checks the Internet while I was in his office....

I agree with #56...no mater what I drink it seems to bother me. Everyone is different... I guess it's all trial and error...

I have not been tested for celiac, one doctor I saw for a year and a half had no clue and had done test after test after test...but then I moved and the next doctor told me to go on a gluten free diet and I have been a little better but I also have lots of other allergies or intolerances such as...oil,dairy,corn,asparagus,tapioca, and I also don't eat animals or eggs or gelatin. So my diet has been VERY limited... Sometimes I fell as though I am losing my mind...

I agree with watching things because even some wine I have drank made me horribly sick. Drinking beer was how I figured out what I had after many years of experimenting I noticed beer no matter how much I drank made me sick (run fever, puke etc..) and have a horrible hangover. I could drink whiskey all night so I knew there was something in beer that I was allergic to.

I agree with #4 and 7. I know from experience that alcohol distilled from grain makes me very ill. The last time I had my formerly favorite gin, Bombay, I was horribly sick. Since then I will only drink alcohol that has never come in contact with gluten.